Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
A socio-political interest group on the aegis of the Gidigba Group has urged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the 18 Local Government Council chairmen’s saga that has led to their suspension for two months and subsequent impeachment of some others in Edo State.
The group said that President Tinubu should immediately direct the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Agbetokun to compel the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to obey the Supreme Court ruling.
‎Solomon Idugboe, the group’s convener, emphasized that local government is crucial for grassroots development, and the Edo State government’s actions are undermining this principle.
‎The Supreme Court judgment, delivered in July 2024, granted financial autonomy to local government councils, empowering them to receive direct allocations from the Federation Account.
‎Since then, hosts of Nigerians have intervened, including the Attorney General of the Federation, who recently warned that Governors have no right to interfere in Local Governments affair, but all have fallen in deaf ears as thugs linked to the Edo state governor are seen implementing illegal impeachments
‎With the clear statement from the AGF, however, Governor Okpebholo, and the All Progressive Congress, APC, have resisted implementing the ruling, sparking tensions.
‎The Edo State House of Assembly’s suspension of the democratically elected local government chairmen and deputies has further worsened the crisis.
‎The Assembly’s actions have been criticized for undermining the autonomy granted to local governments and creating an environment where LGAs become pawns in the hands of state executives.
‎As the impasse continues, the Gidigba Group’s call for President Tinubu’s intervention has gained traction.
‎With the President’s backing, the Inspector General of Police can provide security to enable the council chairmen to return to duty unhurt, restoring the rule of law and ensuring the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment.